Arthritic Knee Pain – How to Prevent and Treat Arthritic Knee Pain
Arthritic knee pain is very common in people with osteoarthritis. Over time, joint cartilage breaks down until the bones rub against each other. This is what causes the pain, stiffness, and grating sounds that osteoarthritis sufferers often experience. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat arthritic knee pain and prevent it from worsening. These range from medication, to braces, to electrical stimulation. Some methods may not work for you; you will have to experiment until you find arthritic knee pain relief. Your doctor can recommend the course of action that is best for you.
Most arthritic knee pain treatments will begin with medication. Once your pain is gone, you will be able to regain mobility and try other treatments if necessary. Commonly prescribed medications include analgesics and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as muscle relaxants and antidepressants. Analgesics relieve arthritic knee pain but do not treat or cure arthritis. These include Tylenol, Codeine, and Vicodin. NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil, to name a few. These drugs reduce inflammation and arthritic knee pain. Doctors often prescribe NSAIDs as a long-term arthritic knee pain treatment, so you should not stop taking them even if your knee feels better. Be careful, however. NSAIDs can damage your stomach if taken long-term.
Other arthritic knee pain treatment options include braces and canes. Braces relieve pressure by redirecting your weight. They also stabilize your knee joint and keep it in proper alignment. Over time, this may reduce your arthritic knee pain. A doctor might recommend a cane if you cannot walk normally due to arthritic knee pain. Although neither of these treatments relieves pain directly, they can prevent it from getting much worse. You should make sure to stretch your legs to maintain mobility, even if you do not walk much.
Another treatment option for arthritic knee pain is electrical stimulation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles around the knee. This not only strengthens muscles, but also reduces arthritic knee pain. Studies have proven this method effective in treating knee pain due to osteoarthritis. You might also consider purchasing a portable TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit. This device uses electrical currents to block your pain mechanisms and is often used instead of medication. You will need a prescription and doctor supervision, however. These treatments are but a few of the many options available. Consult a doctor to learn more.
